DIPT ERA. 



35 



the slenderness of the body, the smaUness of the head, the shape of 

 the thorax, and the length of the feet and wings. The result of this 

 " organisation is a graceful, light, and aerial form 



Nemocera. 



Abounding everywhere, the Nemocera live, some on the blood of 

 ' man and animals, some on small insects, and others on the juices of 

 fragrant flowers. From vr\ii.(x, thread ; /c^pos, horn. 



In all climates, in every latitude, in the fields and woods, even in 

 our dwellings, they may be seen fluttering and plundering. The 

 Nemocera are divided into two families, that of the Cii/icidce, of which 

 the gnat {Culex), which has a long, thin trunk, and a sucker provided 

 with six bristles, is a member ; and that of the Tipu/idcE, which have 

 a short thick trunk, and a sucker having two bristles. 



We will begin our examination with the Gnat {Culex pip lens), of 



Figs. 19 and 20. — The Gnat {Culex pi^iens). 



which Re'aumur, in his "Memoires pour servir a I'Histoire des 

 Insectes," has given such a curious history (Figs. 19, 20). ''The gnat 

 is our declared enemy," says Re'aumur, in the introduction to his 

 memoir, "and a very troublesome enemy it is. However, it is well 

 to make its acquaintance, for if we pay a little attention we shall be 

 forced to admire it, and even to admire the instrument with which it 

 wounds us. Besides which, throughout the whole course of its life it 

 offers most interesting matter of investigation to those who are curious 



